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City Cast Las Vegas

Tips and tricks by Las Vegas locals, for locals.

. To wrap things up, we have some advice on how to snap a photo of the evening skies — not from an influencer, but from Mig Ponce, president of the 

 from the land of light-pollution, Las Vegas.

“Most modern cell phones have the capability to do good low-light photography, and there are definitely some tricks to stack the deck in your favor. You will need to put your phone into night mode.”

“Get a small tripod for your phone. They're really inexpensive. It doesn't even have to be the kind that is chest high or eye height. You can get those little ones that are just six-to-eight inches tall. With any exposure more than a few seconds, your hand kind of jiggles, but one of those tripods can hold your phone still and get a decent picture.”

“Look for dark sky apps. There's one called 

. Those will help you do low-light, long-exposure images. If you have a Samsung phone, there is an app called 

 that has an astrophotography mode, so that's an option too. (Apple iPhone users may want to try 

.) For the most part, even with just a cell phone, if you’re able to put it on night mode and hold it really, really still, you should be able to capture some pretty neat stuff.”

It's a great week to see shooting stars, but if you didn't take a pic ... did it really happen?

How to Take Night Photos with iPhone and Android

How to Photograph Dark Skies with Your Phone

Tips and tricks for living your best Las Vegas life, by locals, for locals.

Las Vegas Life Hacks

If the doomscrolling is out of control, it’s time to put the phone down and do something productive. You can 

, a simple but critical procedure involving chest compressions that anyone can learn 👍

during cardiac arrest or another medical emergency

 when someone is unconscious, has no pulse, or isn’t breathing (or is struggling to gasp for breath). CPR helps ensure that oxygen-rich blood continues to pump through the heart and reach the brain, keeping the victim alive.

Begin performing CPR — one hand over your other hand, pushing down hard and fast on the center of the victim’s chest. How fast? Experts say 

, which also happens to be the pace of “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees 🕺

If an AED arrives, activate it and follow the instructions. It’s designed to guide you in a clear manner in high-stress situations. The 9-1-1 operator will provide direction too.

If an AED isn’t available or doesn’t work, continue to perform CPR until medical help arrives. If you get tired, another person can step in and continue the hand compressions. Continue to rotate as needed.

While the process of breathing into someone else’s mouth to stimulate resuscitation is still taught to medical professionals, it’s now 

 among the wider general public. One reason is uncertainty about viruses or illnesses that can be transmitted. (First responders may have a 

 to use.) Another is that it’s difficult to do properly on the spot — prompting uncertainty and hesitation — and it’s better to act quickly and focus on hands-only CPR.

 can teach the basics of learning CPR. It’s better than nothing, but not the same as taking a certification course, which can be found with the help of the following resources:

Most of these courses will also cover how to perform CPR on an infant, familiarity with using an AED, and other basic first aid skills. While it’s unlikely you’ll ever have to perform CPR, it’s a skill you’ll be grateful to have mastered when a life-or-death situation arises.

Learning how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (or CPR) is easier than you think, and it could save a life.

Where to Get Certified for CPR in Las Vegas

Why CPR Is Important and Where to Get Certified in Las Vegas

Now that holiday excitement is beginning to turn into “new year, new me” energy, an important question remains: What should you do with all that torn up wrapping paper? And what about the Christmas tree that’s been dropping pine needles over your rug? Here are some tips for recycling and responsibly disposing of holiday waste.

The short answer: Probably not. Most of the gift wrapping paper on the market is nonrecyclable. Putting it in the recycling bin can contaminate the rest of the load, meaning that all the contents will go to the landfill. The same goes for items like ribbons, holiday cards, and 

 will pick up Christmas trees (natural or artificial) on bulk pickup days. However, the 

 (through Jan. 16) all have tree recycling programs. You can also drop off your tree at 

 for recycling the week following Christmas. 

 offers tree removal and recycling services too. Most trees are turned into wood chips, mulch, or compost, so be sure to prep your tree for recycling by removing any decor, lights, and nonorganic items. You can also get creative and 

repurpose your tree for other home projects

 If the tree is in decent condition, and you’re just ready for a new one, consider donating it to a local organization or charity. 

 also accepts tree and decoration donations to distribute to families in need around the world.

If you have unusable decorations or holiday lights, recycle them at one of the city’s drop-off locations. Some 

 locations will take your faulty holiday lights and recycle them for you. Are your decorations in good working order? Give them a new life by donating them to a local organization, a thrift store, or hardware store.

I’ll leave you with one last tip for the overachievers out there: Take notes on 

how to reduce your holiday waste next year

Is holiday wrapping recyclable? And what should you do with that Christmas tree? 

Can You Recycle Holiday Gift Wrap?

How to Responsibly Dispose of Holiday Waste in Las Vegas

When looking back on the best City Cast Las Vegas podcast episodes of the year, we all agreed that co-host Sarah Lohman’s 

 gentlemen's club — was one of our favorites. It was an eye-opening look at an often misunderstood profession. Here’s a little bit of what we learned.

Some clubs — but not all — pressure performers to not gain weight, expecting a certain standard for body types that aren’t common in everyday life.

There’s no shame in using singles when reliving your favorite rap video and “making it rain” in real life. That time will fly by in seconds. Don’t blow your money all at once.

“We’re like therapists,” Misdom said. You still gotta tip.

General rule of thumb: Keep your hands off private areas when receiving a lap dance. Some dancers are more lenient than others, but there’s always limits. Whenever in doubt, ask first.

“It took me a long time to do my makeup,” Misdom pointed out. “Don't touch my face.” While you’re at it, don’t touch the hair and don’t even think about a kiss on the cheek.

Those drivers receive kickbacks for bringing customers to specific clubs, and you’ll be charged the full admission fee to help make up for it. Most strip clubs have their own free shuttle. Use it and you’ll typically get in for free.

Understand the business. The performers have expenses as independent contractors, from a service card and business license to clothes, shoes, and makeup. Health coverage is usually paid out of pocket and it costs a performer a house fee (typically around $150) just to show up. So even if you’re just talking to a dancer, make sure to tip.

”I really do love this job,” Misdom told us. “I learned so much about people and respect. It’s definitely changed my whole life.”

 in Las Vegas. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

An exotic dancer shares some advice on what you need to know before visiting a Las Vegas strip club. 

An Inside Look at Las Vegas Strip Clubs

Las Vegas Strip Club Tips and Etiquette: What You Need To Know as a Customer

If you’re sick of hearing about the election — the junk mail, texts, TV ads, and everything else that comes with it — welcome the relief of knowing it's almost over. Kinda. At least until the recounts end and the litigation begins.

So don’t be mad or sad. Be glad we’re a democracy and that each of us has a say in who runs the government. And as 

Between mail ballots and early voting, Nevada makes the election process incredibly easy. But today is officially Election Day. Your last chance. Last call. No excuses.

. Just bring your Nevada ID or driver's license to a 

. If you need further assistance to register, the DMV 

 until 6 p.m today. You’ll leave with an interim document to bring to a polling location.

You can vote from anywhere. The days of having one specific polling place for your address are gone. Clark County now has 

. You’ll be allowed to vote at any of ‘em between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

My wife has been a nurse for more than 10 years. She told me that for the first time in her career, a patient asked about voting from a hospital bed. As it turns out, 

And if you have a long shift at work, Nevada law requires employers to 

give employees sufficient time off to vote

 if it’s impractical to do so before or after work. Paid.

You can still fill out your mail ballot at home and either drop it off at a polling station (while skipping the line for in-person voters) or in the mailbox. If you opt for the latter, just know the ballot must be postmarked by today (although there’s wiggle room 

) and received by Clark County by the fourth day after the election.

 (by clicking the “Go Vote” tile in the app) and 

 (using the code VOTE24) are giving 50% discounts (up to $10 off) to help voters reach their polling locations.

. Anyone under 18 accompanied by a registered voter receives a free scoop of ice cream when voting for their favorite ice cream flavor. We’ve been following this story 

 — and it’s come down to Vanilla and Cookies & Cream.

 restaurants in Town Square and Downtown Summerlin are handing out a Huckleberry Lemonade, Twisted Orange Fanta, or another non-alcoholic drink with the purchase of an entree.

Krispy Kreme is giving out one free Original Glazed doughnut to 

 guests on Election Day, whether you provide proof of voting or not. 

Get a free frozen yogurt at IKEA Swedish Bistro with 

Get a free Baconator when spending at least $25 at 

Show an “I Voted” sticker or another proof of voting at 

 and get a free shake with any in-store purchase.

Get a free ExtraMostBestest Pizza when spending at least $25 at 

Get a free SmokeShack cheeseburger with a minimum order of $25 at 

It doesn’t get any more “Vegas” than this: 

 is hosting Dances for Democracy, offering one free lap dance for anyone with an “I Voted” sticker 12 - 8 p.m. today.

 5 - 11 p.m. Admission is free with pizza, beer, and other bites available for purchase. Upgrade tor premium seating and enjoy a VIP buffet (5 - 8 p.m.) There is no political affiliation mentioned in the advertising, but the Ahern is known to host GOP campaign events.

Some of the deals at nationwide chains may be 

take a moment to breathe. It’s been an unprecedented campaign season. We have some 

thoughts, reflections, and last-minute resources

 for voting on Election Day. [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]

Cast your ballot and show your "I Voted" sticker for free stuff on Election Day.

Las Vegas Election Day Freebies 2024

Election Day Freebies and Voting Guide

So … why would you make your own soft drink at home when you can just buy one already made?

“A fresh soda tastes so much better than a soda you buy from the store,” according to Tomas Curras. “Most sodas you buy have been on the shelves for at least three months. The acids inside start to break down the oils, which changes the flavor.”

, a Las Vegas-based website for at-home bartenders with an 

. He discovered there was interest in not only cocktails, but the art of making sodas from scratch.

Curras found a lot of his classic soft drink recipes in old pharmaceutical manuals, since soda fountains were traditionally inside pharmacies. Some were medicinal in nature. “Chocolate was a good choice, because it masked the bitterness of the opiates,” he points out. Vintage 

, for example, used sassafras oil, a component of drugs like MDMA 🥴 Contemporary recipes use star anise instead.

Curras’ recipes are essentially the same as what the big corporations use. “The only difference is mine are not made to sit on shelves for months,” he says. “There’s no preservatives or artificial coloring in mine.”

If you see “natural flavors” on a product, it usually means a natural oil is emulsified in alcohol. However, the amount in the final serving is so small, it’s negligible, much like using vanilla extract in a dessert. For his sodas, Curras only uses cold-pressed or steam-distilled oils without fillers.

A soda recipe may seem simple, but like a good dish or cocktail, it’s best when complex and balanced. Acid is typically added to cut through the sweetness of the sugar and allow the other flavors to emerge. “A soda without acid tastes flat and not as good,” according to Curras. “But as soon as you add just a little bit of acid, whether it's citric acid or acid phosphate, it tastes so much better. It awakens your tongue.”

 recipe was revealed on NPR during an episode of 

 recipe was listed in a bankruptcy filing. Is there really a difference between the two? “Their bases are almost identical,” Curras says. “Coke is a little more lemony and Pepsi is a little more cinnamony. The major difference is that, I believe, about 7 percent of Coke syrup is coca leaf extract.” The original recipe contained elements of cocaine, but that’s 

. Still — “Coca leaf tastes like yerba mate mixed with green tea and bay leaf. It's got a very herbal, tea-like flavor to it.”

Learn about how to make soft drinks at home that are even better than the real thing. Begin with your own version of Mountain Dew. 

How to Make Your Own Soda

Make Your Own Soft Drinks From Scratch

Not to out myself as a massive nerd, but one of my favorite literary quotes comes from Henno Martin’s “The Sheltering Desert.” Maybe it’s because I was born in the vastness of the Chihuahuan Desert, but I carry the excerpt in my heart: “The magic of the desert is hard to define.”

And with that magic comes difficult realities. According to the Nevada state website, there are eight potential hazards for which it is working to create preparedness guidelines. Among them are 

. Planning for emergencies can feel daunting, but the key to being prepared is to take it one step at a time. Here are some essentials to get started.

The most simple items are often the most essential in an emergency, but that means it’s also the best place to start.

Most local home improvement and outdoor stores carry kits with basic necessities like bandages and ointments. The 

 sells kits and manuals for specific situations like CPR, lifeguard, bodily trauma, and more — I always keep one of their 

Check the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready website for 

how to build your own emergency supplies kit

According to the National Safety Council, a home emergency supply kit should have three days worth of non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person, per day, for at least three days. Beyond the basics, Readywise specializes in 

, which then end up in your drinking water. Opt for canned water if you can — products like 

 are available online and at stores like Walmart.

 for up-to-date information. Outages are unpredictable, but monitoring alerts can help make planning a little easier.

Refrigerator doors should remain closed as much as possible during a power outage to keep food as fresh as possible. If the power is out for an extended period, food and medication can be kept in coolers — be sure to keep some extra ice in your freezer and as big of a cooler as you can store. And if you have any doubts about the freshness of your food, just throw it out. It might sound wasteful, but dealing with a foodborne illness on top of a power outage can be quite dangerous.

If the electricity goes out during a heatwave, start by closing the blinds and doors to the hottest parts of your home and avoid taking cold showers — your skin will feel cool for a few minutes but 

it can actually raise your inner body temperature

Generators can be useful, but they should be kept outside at least 20 feet away from doors and windows. It’s also a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors for added safety. Check out FEMA’s 

Saving money can feel like an impossibility these days, but putting aside as little as $10 a week can make a difference. Get started with 

These are difficult things to think about, but together we can help keep each other safe.

Planning for emergencies can feel daunting, but the key to being prepared is to take it one step at a time. Here are some essentials to get started.

A Guide to Emergency Preparedness in Las Vegas

A Guide to Emergency Preparedness

Rapidly changing fashion trends and increasing accessibility to low-cost retailers means consumers are cycling through clothing faster than ever. The average U.S. resident throws away 70 pounds of textiles per year, accounting for 

, according to data from the EPA. So what’s the best way to make the clothes you have last longer and shop consciously when looking for new attire?

Repairing and altering clothes can be daunting, but this is where social media is your best friend. YouTube is full of step-by-step tutorials for everything from 

 to items that don’t fit. Platforms like 

For hands-on learning, book a sewing class from the 

As an entertainment hub, Las Vegas is home to many businesses dedicated to working on clothes. Jenny at 

 has decades of experience as a seamstress. 

 has an impressive range of services — they once made a paper dress for a San Diego newspaper and even retrofitted celebratory skiing goggles for an NBA team. Local dry cleaners will also perform small repairs and alterations for reasonable prices.

As for footwear, a cobbler can do a resole, but they can also stretch, clean, and sometimes even reshape shoes. I have a pair of my grandfather’s old chelsea boots from the 80s that have been resoled five times and are still kicking. Here are a few Las Vegas options:

 — for the streetwear and sneaker aficionados.

Okay, not really. But the vast majority of us are using 

, which can leave residue that will break down fabrics and irritate skin. Conversely, dryers wreak havoc on clothing, so opt for hang-drying when possible.

Choosing quality garments can save you a lot of this work in the long run. Information varies vastly between brands, but here are the key things to look for:

Fabric — manmade materials like polyester often deteriorate faster than natural ones like cotton.

Country of origin — great clothes are made in every corner of the world, knowing where they're produced can tell you a lot when combined with other garment information.

Construction — for footwear in particular, opt for something with a 

, which makes it easier to replace soles once they wear out.

Some of these options will cost more up front, but here’s a formula to keep in mind: cost-per-wear. Meaning, calculate the value of an item by dividing the price by the amount of times you wear it. It’s not perfect, but it can help reshape how we think about the things we wear.

Textile waste is on the rise, so we're sharing tips on how to prolong the life of clothes and where to get them repaired in Las Vegas, Nevada.

How to Make Your Clothes Last Longer

Allergy season can make us feel like we have no control. Out of the blue, you’re suddenly sneezing, and wheezing, and your eyes are so itchy that you feel helpless to Mother Nature’s whims. While you can’t control the seasons, you 

control and reduce allergens in your home.

 are the antigens that trigger your body’s immune responses to fight off the perceived threats. Allergens often come in the form of pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. They can enter your home through open windows and on the clothes you wore outside.

But never fear, Hey Las Vegas is here with you your room-by-room guide to setting up your allergen-free home:

, especially if your doggie who loves to play outside cuddles with you nightly (guilty!).

 that are hypoallergenic or dust mite-proof.

Vacuum rugs regularly, particularly with a machine that uses 

Ventilation is key for your self-care space. An exhaust fan will help reduce moisture buildup.

Wash shower curtains and bathroom mats often. Spray and scrub surfaces weekly.

When was the last time you cleaned your fridge? Yeah, same. Scrub out the mold hiding in cracks and crevices, and replace moldy rubber seals around doors.

If possible, install an exhaust fan over your stove to remove cooking fumes.

Consider placing air purifiers throughout the house. You can find affordable purifiers at your local store — 

Avoid using wood-burning fireplaces as the smoke and gas can worsen respiratory allergies.

 — but consider the time of day and wind speeds. Nighttime is typically the worst time to open windows. 

Check the pollen count during peak allergy season

Wipe down dog and cat fur with a towel or disposable wipes.

Wash clothes soon after returning from outdoors.

If you live in a humid region, consider a 

What tips do you have for allergy season? 

Take these steps to control allergens in your home this season. Your sinuses will thank you.

Prepare Your Las Vegas Home For Allergy Season

COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency

Paxlovid, an antiviral medication, is the go-to treatment for COVID-19, but it can be pricey. Here’s how to get it for free or at a discount in Las Vegas.